Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass, Medium Roast, Whole Bean, 1

The Verdict

If you’re the kind of coffee drinker who thinks “medium roast” means gentle, mild, and easygoing, Kicking Horse’s Smart Ass is about to correct that assumption. This Canadian roaster has built a cult following for its irreverent branding and seriously bold beans, and Smart Ass — their self-described “kick-ass” medium roast — delivers exactly what the name promises.

What’s in the Bag

You’re getting a 10-ounce bag of whole bean coffee. Note that’s 2 ounces less than the standard 12-ounce bag most roasters ship, so factor that into your price-per-pound math. The beans arrive with a visible sheen of oil — a sign of a roast that’s been pushed darker than typical medium. The aroma hits you immediately upon opening: smoky, slightly sweet, with notes of dark chocolate and a whisper of molasses.

Smart Ass is certified organic, fair trade, and kosher. For shoppers who care about where their coffee comes from, that’s meaningful — these certifications are audited, not just printed on the label.

Performance and Flavor

I brewed this in a standard drip machine, a French press, and a pour-over to get a full picture. The standout was the French press, where the body really shines. This is a dense, syrupy cup with low acidity — think dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and a slightly earthy finish. There’s a hint of that “campfire” smokiness that dark-roast lovers chase, but it never tips into burnt or bitter territory.

In drip, it holds up well but loses some of the complexity. The pour-over brought out more brightness — almost a citrus edge that surprised me given the dark appearance of the beans. If you’re a black-coffee drinker, this is a rewarding choice. With milk and sugar, it gets a bit one-dimensional, so I’d skip it if you’re a latte person.

What Buyers Keep Saying

Scanning through the 220 ratings on Amazon, a clear pattern emerges. One reviewer put it simply: “Bold without being bitter. This is my daily driver now.” Another noted, “The only coffee my wife and I can agree on — strong enough for me, smooth enough for her.”

The most common praise centers on the flavor depth and the fact that it’s not a typical grocery-store medium roast. Multiple reviewers mentioned repurchasing after trying other “boutique” brands and coming back. The most frequent complaint? The bag size. Several reviewers were surprised it’s only 10 ounces, especially at the price point.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. First, the “medium roast” classification is generous — this drinks like a dark roast. If you genuinely prefer light, bright, fruity coffees, you’ll find this heavy and smoky. Second, the 10-ounce bag is a real consideration. At the typical Amazon price, you’re paying premium rates for less coffee than the bag’s size might suggest.

Third, Amazon stock and pricing are inconsistent. I’ve seen this bag fluctuate by several dollars depending on the seller and time of year. If you find it at a good price, buy multiple bags — you won’t get a better deal waiting.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You want a bold, organic, fair-trade coffee that doesn’t taste like a compromise. You drink black coffee, use a French press or drip machine, and appreciate a cup with real heft.

Skip it if: You prefer light roasts, drink mostly espresso-based drinks, or need predictable pricing on a strict budget.

FAQ

Is Kicking Horse Smart Ass actually medium roast? It’s labeled medium, but it roasts darker than typical mediums. Expect a dark-roast experience — smoky, low acidity, full body. Light-roast fans should look elsewhere.

Does it work for espresso? It can, though it’s not ideal. The bold flavor holds up, but the oily beans can gunk up a grinder and the roast profile isn’t optimized for espresso extraction.

How should I store it? Keep it in an airtight container away from light and heat. The beans are oily, so they’ll go stale faster than drier roasts — use within 3-4 weeks of opening.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.2/5

Kicking Horse Smart Ass is a genuinely good coffee that overdelivers on flavor and ethics. The 10-ounce bag and the dark-leaning “medium” roast are the two real hang-ups, but if you want a bold, organic, fair-trade cup that respects your morning, this is a strong pick. Buy it if you love dark, smoky coffee — just watch the price per ounce.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.